Dutch retired from the Army in 2011 after returning from another deployment, a divorce, and 28 years, 10 months and 4 days of active service. He taught High School for a year before joining the local Police Department in his old home town. He still lives with one dog and a cat. Two of his sons currently serve in the US Army. The youngest is still in High School. Things change... the blog remains.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

I've left a note for our Commander in Chief at the White House Web-site.

Sir,I am a Solider serving my country as was shocked by the attack on our troops in little Rock. I have heard that you have issued a statement about this vicious murder but have not read it on this site. I would like to suggest that the two soldiers wounded in the attack be awarded the Purple Heart, since it is obvious they wounded in action.By the wording of the regulations, the two men are deserving of the award. I ask that you think about what it would mean to the families of these two soldiers, and the image of support it would show to the rest of the Armed Forces, if you would present this award.

Per United States Army regulations, the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died after being wounded. Specific examples of services which warrant the Purple Heart any action against an enemy of the United States; any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged; while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; as a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; or as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force. After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack. After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.